Because of unfavorable time zones, there has always been the debate regarding how to handle European MMA events on television.
Currently the UFC on ESPN, and before that on FS 1, would air the shows live in time slots that weren’t unusual and the ratings would be much lower than usual.
Bellator on Paramount, and before that with Spike, would air the shows taped in the usual prime time slots. Generally speaking, the taped shows did surprisingly well, often doing better than live shows from the U.S. But for hardcore fans, the idea that a sporting event was being taped never sat well, even though evidence has always been to maximize viewership for Bellator, the right time slot is far more important than airing a show live.